Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe

We are delighted to announce that our brother Fr. Timothy Radcliffe OP, of the Oxford community, was today created a cardinal by His Holiness Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This recognition is a profound honour for his Dominican Order and the wider Catholic community in Great Britain and beyond. As a member of the College of Cardinals, Fr. Timothy will serve as a key advisor to the Pope and assist him in the exercise of his responsibilities for the Catholic Church throughout the world.

A Distinguished Dominican Ministry

Fr Timothy first rose to international prominence within the Catholic world in 1992 when he became the first Englishman in the eight-hundred-year history of the Dominican Order to be elected Master, overseeing the work of the friars in over 100 countries. Fr. Timothy was a popular leader, chiefly remembered for his inspiring rearticulation of the monastic vows of poverty, chastity and obedience which emphasised the ongoing relevance and importance of the life and mission of the friars and sisters in the modern world.

A willingness to draw traditional ideas into dialogue with contemporary experience has been characteristic of his teaching, preaching, and writing. He has consistently encouraged the Church to go beyond the ideological divisions of wider society and find unity in a common search for Truth. As such, it was no surprise to his brethren that he was chosen by His Holiness Pope Francis to act as ‘Spiritual Father’ to the recent ‘Synod on Synodality’ in Rome. Indeed, many commentators have detected the influence of Fr. Timothy’s ideas in the Synod’s final document.

An internationally renowned author and preacher

Upon finishing his term as Master in 2001, Fr. Timothy dedicated himself to preaching and writing. His publications include What Is the Point of Being a Christian? (which won the Michael Ramsey Prize for theological writing), Why go to Church? and Alive in God: A Christian Imagination. His writings reflect a deep engagement with the complexities of modern faith and the need for hope, reconciliation, and inclusivity in a fragmented world.

Fr. Timothy remains a much sought-after speaker at international events and gatherings, addressing topics such as Christian unity, the role of the Church in contemporary society, and the importance of spiritual renewal. He is widely recognized for his commitment to dialogue across cultural, social, and religious divides, echoing Pope Francis’s emphasis on a Church that is open, inclusive, and engaged with the wider world.

A Moment of Pride for the English Dominicans

Commenting on the announcement, Fr. Nicholas Crowe OP, Provincial of the English Province of the Order of Preachers, said:

“I have always been inspired by Fr. Timothy’s confidence in the power of good conversation – even with those we disagree with – to heal division and build friendship. His elevation to the College of Cardinals is a moment of profound joy for all his brothers.”

Rev. Dr. John O’Connor OP, Regent of Blackfriars Hall, the University of Oxford, said:

“Central to Cardinal Radcliffe’s theological vision is the importance of dialogue, of listening attentively and receptively as well as speaking. Throughout his work at Blackfriars and across the world he has inspired people to take the plunge to engage in such inclusive engagement and to be open to being pleasantly surprised by how our minds, imaginations and hearts, can expand in ways we might not expect. We are delighted at the great honour bestowed on Cardinal Timothy and that he will continue to a be wonderful presence among us.”

Fr. Timothy said:

“I am deeply grateful for this totally unexpected honour. I hope to be at the service of the Holy Father in whatever way he wishes, as a Dominican brother, rooted in the fraternity of the Order.”